Kumar came back to work five days after a division bench of Punjab and Haryana high court stayed the single-bench order that had set aside his appointment. His return is contrary to speculation that he would not resume duty till the final judgment is delivered in the case.

The single-judge had quashed the appointment on January 17, ruling that he was holding the office without authority and had been given overriding powers. On Wednesday, the division bench stayed the operation of the order, paving the way for his return.

As his top aide, Kumar enjoys complete confidence of chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The chief minister also made no secret of his desire that he wants Kumar back in his office and even visited his residence at least twice to persuade him to return. The 1983-batch officer had earlier also worked with Amarinder as his principal secretary for more than three years during his first term as the CM (2002 to 2007). The next hearing in the case is on April 17.